Time Out

My mind raced. Two o’clock. I had just finished my appointments and suddenly realized how little cash I had on me. At the mall with only a few cents and no ATM card in my pocket, I needed to attend a workshop at the voice academy later that afternoon. Without bus fare, I wasn’t going to make it. I didn’t even have enough money to get home.

I paced through the mall, frantic, desperate, frustrated. How did I get myself into this mess?

Then amid the inner turmoil came a familiar voice. Stop and listen.

To what? I fired back.

Listen to Me. And listen to yourself freaking out like that! The worst thing in the world is to keep on going when you don’t know what to do.

Jesus had my attention. Okay, You’re right.—I don’t know what to do.

Trust Me.

What did I have to lose? I stopped and prayed, “Dear Jesus, I’m trying to trust You. Please help me out.” What I wanted, of course, was to see some money appear out of nowhere. It doesn’t have to be a lot—just enough to get me to the voice academy and home.

I looked around. Nothing.

Trust Me, He said again. There’s plenty of time before your workshop starts.

Plenty of time? I wasn’t so sure.

I slowed my pace to “trusting” speed and hoped that would also calm my racing spirit. The frustration eased. I even started to sing to myself. The voice seemed to be directing my steps, telling me what corners to turn in the huge mall.

Then there they were, sitting inside a restaurant right in front of me! I had met Joy and Honey a few weeks before. They were commercial models and the only female identical twins in the local industry. They spotted me and waved, excited about this chance encounter.

Or was it chance?

An hour later, we said goodbye and I was on my way. Jesus had indeed dropped money out of nowhere, but in His own way. Joy had asked me to sketch them together and insisted on paying for the on-the-spot portrait.

I now had the cash I needed. I made it to my workshop with time to spare. I made it safely home. And I had that little voice to thank.

Now when my head is spinning out of control—How did I get myself into this mess?—I know that all I have to do is take a little time out to stop and listen and get Jesus’ help.

—

Psalm 40:1 NIV – I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 37:7-9 NLT – Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

Isaiah 40:31 NKJV – But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.